Down and out

ERFURT (AFP) - Hans-Henning Axthelm, minister for social affairs in the eastern German state of Thuringia, was suspended by his government yesterday after allegedly stealing a sex magazine and a bottle of dog shampoo from a Bavarian supermarket. Mr Axthelm had only another week in office: he was sacked last month after allegedly leasing a state- owned hotel to associates at a low price.